To compare the pulmonary hazards of smoking marijuana and tobacco, we quantified the relative burden to the lung of insoluble particulates (tar) and carbon monoxide from the smoke of similar quantities of marijuana and tobacco. The 15 subjects, all men, had smoked both marijuana and tobacco habitually for at least five years. We measured each subject's blood carboxyhemoglobin level before and after smoking and the amount of tar inhaled and deposited in the respiratory tract from the smoke of single filter-tipped tobacco cigarettes (900 to 1200 mg) and marijuana cigarettes (741 to 985 mg) containing 0.004 percent or 1.24 percent delta 9-tetrahydrocanabinol. As compared with smoking tobacco, smoking marijuana was associated with a nearly fivefold greater increment in the blood carboxyhemoglobin level, an approximately threefold increase in the amount of tar inhaled, and retention in the respiratory tract of one third more inhaled tar (P less than 0.001). Significant differences were also noted in the dynamics of smoking marijuana and tobacco, among them an approximately two-thirds larger puff volume, a one-third greater depth of inhalation, and a fourfold longer breath-holding time with marijuana than with tobacco (P less than 0.01). Smoking dynamics and the delivery of tar during marijuana smoking were only slightly influenced by the percentage of tetrahydrocanabinol. We conclude that smoking marijuana, regardless of tetrahydrocannabinol content, results in a substantially greater respiratory burden of carbon monoxide and tar than smoking a similar quantity of tobacco.

Both tobacco and cannabis smoke contain the same cancer-causing compounds (carcinogens). Depending on what part of the plant is smoked, marijuana can contain more of these harmful ingredients.

But a recent review of studies on the effects of marijuana and tobacco smoke suggests that the cancer-promoting effects of these ingredients is increased by the tobacco in nicotine and reduced by the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in cannabis.

Previous studies have shown that THC can inhibit carcinogens in mice, and the report suggests it may have the same protective effect against the carcinogens found in smoke in humans. But researchers warn that even if THC lessens the effects of these cancer-causing ingredients, cannabis smoke remains carcinogenic.

Respiratory Effects of Marijuana
Marijuana smoke smoke contains a similar range of harmful chemicals to that of tobacco smoke (including bronchial irritants, tumor promoters and carcinogens) (Hoffmann et al, 1975). As inhaled smoke comes into contact with airway and lung before being absorbed into the bloodstream, it is likely to affect the respiratory system (Novotny et al, 1982).

Risk of respiratory effects from inhaling marijuana smoke are heightened by the more intensive way in which marijuana is smoked -- when smoking marijuana compared to tobacco, there is a prolonged and deeper inhalation and it is smoked to a shorter butt length and at a higher combustion temperature. This results in approximately 5 times the carbon monoxide concentration, 3 times the tar, and the retention of one-third more tar in the respiratory tract. Higher levels of ammonia and hydrogen cyanide have also been found in marijuana smoke, compared to tobacco (Moir, et al., 2008; Wu et al., 1988; Tashkin et al., 1991; Benson & Bentley, 1995).

A 2011 systematic review of the research concluded that long-term marijuana smoking is associated with an increased risk of some respiratory problems, including an increase in cough, sputum production, airway inflammation, and wheeze – similar to that of tobacco smoking (Howden & Naughton, 2011). However, no consistent association has been found between marijuana smoking and measures of airway dysfunction. Occasional and low cumulative marijuana use has not been associated with adverse effects on pulmonary function (Pletcher et al., 2012); the effects of heavier use are less clear.

Additionally, many marijuana smokers also smoke tobacco, which further increases the harm. Numerous studies have found that the harmful effects of smoking marijuana and tobacco appear to be additive, with more respiratory problems in those who smoke both substances than in those who only smoke one or the other (Wu et al, 1988).

The association between smoking marijuana and lung cancer remains unclear. Marijuana smoke contains about 50% more benzopyrene and nearly 75% more benzanthracene, both known carcinogens, than a comparable quantity of unfiltered tobacco smoke (Tashkin, 2013). Moreover, the deeper inhalations and longer breath-holding of marijuana smokers result in greater exposure of the lung to the tar and carcinogens in the smoke. Lung biopsies from habitual marijuana-only users have revealed widespread alterations to the tissue, some of which are recognized as precursors to the subsequent development of cancer (Tashkin, 2013).

On the other hand, several well-designed and large-scale studies, including one in Washington State (Rosenblatt et al, 2004), have failed to find any increased risk of lung or upper airway cancer in people who have smoked marijuana (Mehra et al, 2006; Tashkin, 2013), and studies assessing the association between marijuana use and cancer risk have many limitations, including concomitant tobacco use and the relatively small number of long-term heavy users – particularly older users. Therefore, even though population-based studies have generally failed to show increased cancer risk, no study has definitively ruled out the possibility that some individuals, especially heavier marijuana users, may incur an elevated risk of cancer. This risk appears to be smaller than for tobacco, yet is important to know about when weighing the benefits and risks of smoking. (Tashkin DP, 2013). More research on marijuana smoking and cancer is needed.

Two other conditions of concern, bullous lung disease (abnormal airspaces in the lungs caused by damage to the lung walls) and pneumothorax (“collapsed lung”), have not been definitively linked to marijuana smoke either (Tam et al, 2006). Several studies have found evidence of a possible association (Beshay et al, 2007; Hii et al, 2008; Reece, 2008), however, many of these studies featured 10 or fewer study subjects, some of whom also smoked tobacco. The research remains unclear.

But it doesn't really matter, in my opinion. People in general don't smoke pot like they do cigarettes. Cigarettes are consumed in far greater quantities per day, in general, and that has to make a big difference in how much of the negative substance one derives from their habit.

Again, if you do research, you'll find that no one has died from smoking marijuana, at least to the best of my knowledge. There may be isolated cases, but it's not anywhere near the toll of smoking cigarettes.

At any rate, I'm not saying smoking mj is good for you, or is not harmful. But I do believe that if we legalize cigarettes and alcohol then it simply makes no sense to me not to legalize pot.

But it doesn't really matter, in my opinion. People in general don't smoke pot like they do cigarettes. Cigarettes are consumed in far greater quantities per day, in general, and that has to make a big difference in how much of the negative substance one derives from their habit.

Again, if you do research, you'll find that no one has died from smoking marijuana, at least to the best of my knowledge. There may be isolated cases, but it's not anywhere near the toll of smoking cigarettes.

At any rate, I'm not saying smoking mj is good for you, or is not harmful. But I do believe that if we legalize cigarettes and alcohol then it simply makes no sense to me not to legalize pot.

I just wanted to add that while no one has died from smoking the stuff, evidently plenty of people have been helped by properties found in the marijuana plant. You can't say that about cigarettes.

Here is an interesting article about medical marijuana and the "entourage effect."

And about the cash thing, looks as though things are changing on that front as well.

What I heard was the banks were still reluctant because of all the post 9-11 anti-laundering statutes, etc. In other words, it wasn't good enough yet.

And what a waste of time. The federal government has bent over backwards for Colorado to proceed with a drug policy that is legally preempted by their own (federal) laws, and thus invalid. But instead of urging congress to decriminalize pot on a national level (which would alleviate the banking issue among a host of others), they're urging them to re-craft the banking laws instead. Dumb.

IMHO - If a drug can KILL you (via ingestion, not through other means, like driving) with a single dose, it should be strictly controlled. That would mean heroin, cocaine, PCP, etc. SHOULD remain illegal.

Pot can't kill ya just by smoking a whole slew of joints. I don't think you can DIE from smoking a carton of cigs.

Alcohol's a different matter... not sure if you can die from drinking on a bender or if you'd just hope to based on alcohol poisoning and hangover

From what I understand, the way that controlled substances are assigned to the schedules is based on potential for abuse and lack of legitimate application. And while I agree that smoking a bunch of weed probably isn't going to kill someone on its own, that's not the measure nor it should be. Like pot, LSD is also a schedule one drug and the same can be said for its lack of lethality. So by the "it's not as harmful as ____" logic that's been repeated over and over in this debate, LSD should be decriminalized as well, not to mention a whole host of lesser schedule drugs, even mundane stuff like antihistamines.

It's now harder to legally buy pseudoephedrine products, which aren't even prescription drugs, than it is to buy pot. That doesn't seem backasswards to you?

I just wanted to add that while no one has died from smoking the stuff, evidently plenty of people have been helped by properties found in the marijuana plant. You can't say that about cigarettes.

Why not? Oh yeah... because there's a consensus in the medical science world that says cigarettes are harmful. What do they say about pot?

And for the billionth time - true medical marijuana, the stuff that actually has properties potential curative properties, is devoid of its psychoactive qualities. There's no such thing as a bag of medical weed that you smoke. Period. End of story. Do you even read your links?

From what I understand, the way that controlled substances are assigned to the schedules is based on potential for abuse and lack of legitimate application. And while I agree that smoking a bunch of weed probably isn't going to kill someone on its own, that's not the measure nor it should be. Like pot, LSD is also a schedule one drug and the same can be said for its lack of lethality. So by the "it's not as harmful as ____" logic that's been repeated over and over in this debate, LSD should be decriminalized as well, not to mention a whole host of lesser schedule drugs, even mundane stuff like antihistamines.

It's now harder to legally buy pseudoephedrine products, which aren't even prescription drugs, than it is to buy pot. That doesn't seem backasswards to you?

I'm sure you're right about how they schedule these drugs - I was just suggesting "my" way of looking at it.

So - sure, decriminalize LSD or mushrooms or whatever else won't kill ya in a single dose

As a parent, I'm just trying my best to educate my kids on the differences between "just say no" and "hey, dude - these drugs can kill you by accident..." I grew up in the height of the Just Say No nonsense, and I believe my generation was hampered by treating all drugs the same... they're not.

Why not? Oh yeah... because there's a consensus in the medical science world that says cigarettes are harmful. What do they say about pot?

And for the billionth time - true medical marijuana, the stuff that actually has properties potential curative properties, is devoid of its psychoactive qualities. There's no such thing as a bag of medical weed that you smoke. Period. End of story. Do you even read your links?

All you have to do is look around you to SEE who is harmed by smoking cigarettes. You don't need the consensus of the medical community.

You go talk to people who smoke the stuff and see how it affects them. Talk to OM.

There is THC and CBD (what you are referring to) in marijuana. Both have medicinal effects.

Quote:

High CBD | Low THC

THC is a well known psychoactive cannabinoid and is responsible for the majority of the effects that you get from marijuana consumption. Ultimately THC is what gets you “High.”
The more THC you consume the stronger effects you will get.
THC mostly has a wide range of cerebral effects, which can make you feel happy, euphoric, energetic, anxious, paranoid or even nervous.Medicinally THC has been shown to have anti-depressant effects and even relieves pain and insomnia. It also induces relaxation and stimulates the appetite, which has shown to be useful with cancer and anorexia patients.
Most cured cannabis buds range from 12%-21% THC content and if grown properly can reach even higher levels.
WARNING! Patients with high anxiety or those who suffer from schizophrenia should avoid strains with extremely high levels of THC.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which is known for changing the effects of consumed THC.
CBD increases the happy, euphoric and cerebral effects of THC while decreasing paranoia, anxiety and nervousness.
This cannabinoid is almost always in much lower concentrations than THC in most cannabis plants, usually less than 1%. In rare strains CBD concentrations can outweigh THC levels.
Medicinally CBD has been shown to relieve anxiety, pain, muscle spasms, inflammation and convulsions. So it is great for patients with MS, fibromyalgia and epilepsy.
During a study when CBD was combined with THC and injected into breast and brain tumors, it was shown to inhibit cancer cell growth.

As a parent, I'm just trying my best to educate my kids on the differences between "just say no" and "hey, dude - these drugs can kill you by accident..." I grew up in the height of the Just Say No nonsense, and I believe my generation was hampered by treating all drugs the same... they're not.

My experience was the same however, Nancy Reagan's campaign would've sounded even stupider if it was "Just Say No to ____ drugs, but maybe consider drug(s) _____ aren't as bad".

In fact, THC is an FDA-approved medication. It was shown in carefully controlled clinical trials to have therapeutic benefit for relieving nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy and stimulating appetite in patients with wasting syndrome (severe weight loss) that often accompanies AIDS.

However, the scientific evidence to date is not sufficient for the marijuana plant to gain FDA approval, and there are a number of reasons why:

First, there have not been enough clinical trials showing that marijuana’s benefits outweigh its risks in patients with the symptoms it is meant to treat. The FDA requires carefully conducted studies in large numbers of patients (hundreds to thousands) to accurately assess the benefits and risks of a potential medication.

Second, to be considered a legitimate medicine, a substance must have well-defined and measureable ingredients that are consistent from one unit (such as a pill or injection) to the next. This consistency allows doctors to determine the dose and frequency.
What’s the difference between medical and “street” marijuana?

There is no difference between “medical-grade” marijuana and “street” marijuana. The marijuana sold in dispensaries as medicine is the same quality and carries the same health risks as marijuana sold on the street.

Along with THC, the marijuana plant contains over 400 other chemical compounds, including other cannabinoids that may be biologically active and vary from plant to plant. This makes it difficult to consider its use as a medicine even though some of marijuana’s specific ingredients may offer benefits.

Finally, marijuana has certain adverse health effects that also must be taken into account. Because it is usually smoked, marijuana can cause or worsen respiratory symptoms (e.g., bronchitis, chronic cough). It also impairs short-term memory and motor coordination; slows reaction time; alters mood, judgment, and decision-making; and in some people can cause severe anxiety (paranoia) or psychosis (loss of touch with reality). And marijuana is addictive—about 4.5 million people in this country meet clinical criteria for marijuana abuse or dependence.

This source is far from MSM, but the most accurate I know of for cartel news, etc. It it"s a place where the graphic realities of the drug wars in Mexico are exposed. It also posts news from the US when it concerns drugs, etc.

__________________The truth is that if Israel would lay down their arms there would be no more Israel, and if the Arabs would lay down their arms there would be no more war.